Rivers govt hails O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation’s 20 years of free medical missions

It was under gentle showers in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area, that residents gathered for the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation’s 44th Free Medical Mission. Mothers shielded infants with wrappers, the elderly leaned patiently on walking sticks, and young men queued with quiet hope. For many, this week’s outreach meant something rare: access to doctors, medicines, surgeries, and the possibility of restored health.

Against this backdrop, the Rivers State Government offered its commendation. Governor Siminalayi Fubara, represented by his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, hailed the Foundation’s humanitarian services and pledged continued partnership to expand affordable healthcare. “Living in good health is truly transformational,” he said. “When people are healthy, they are more productive, can pursue their dreams, and contribute meaningfully to the growth of society.”

Chairman of the Foundation, Dr. Seinye O.B. Lulu-Briggs, reaffirmed the organisation’s mission to bridge healthcare gaps. Since the first outreach in 2005, the Foundation has reached more than 190,000 people across Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, providing surgeries, eye care, dental treatment, medicines, and counselling at no cost.

She warned, however, of underused and neglected primary health centres, proposing that organisations like the Foundation be empowered to help run them year-round. “Our missions are not a substitute for systemic reform but a vital complement to ongoing efforts,” she said. She also called for broader collaboration with the private sector, philanthropists, and development partners to ensure that quality healthcare becomes accessible to all.

Human Stories, National Attention

The five-day mission, held in partnership with the Dr. Henry Wordu Foundation, began on September 22 and will close on September 25. Some beneficiaries have already shared testimonies—patients who underwent surgery spoke of pain lifted, eyesight restored, and the gift of a new lease on life.

The event drew senior officials, including representatives of the Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu. Also present were the Chairman of the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board, Dr. Dawari George, traditional rulers, and community leaders.

Co-sponsor Chief Dr. Henry Wordu pledged sustained partnership with the Foundation, describing the collaboration as a model of community-driven healthcare.

Marking twenty years since its first mission in Abonnema in 2005, the Foundation said the urgency remains as great as ever. With more than 76 percent of Nigerians paying out-of-pocket for health expenses and less than 7 percent covered by insurance, free medical missions, Dr. Lulu-Briggs noted, continue to provide lifesaving reliefs.

“Health is not a reward for development; it is a prerequisite. Health is not a cost; it’s an investment. Health is a pathway to security, prosperity and peace,” she said, quoting World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus.

As the rain lifted and the day wound down, one truth lingered: in a country where healthcare remains uncertain for many, the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation stands as both a lifeline and a reminder of what is still possible.